Thousands of jobs - and dogs - at risk from Labour's latest assault on British countryside

Thousands of jobs and dogs are at risk because of Labour's ban on trail hunting, countryside campaigners have warned.

Huntsmen and kennel workers responsible for the hounds fear being put out of work by the Government's ban.

And around 12,000 hounds used in hunts across the UK could face destruction or homelessness if the ban is implemented.

Tim Bonner, the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said between 750 to 1,000 jobs could be lost as a result of the ban.

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He told The Telegraph: "Most sizeable hunting operations have two or three staff who carry out the hunting activity as well as looking after the horses and hounds."

While most huntsmen are paid minimum wage, they are given a house to live in as well as a vehicle.

Mr Bonner added that the role takes "remarkable skill".

"It’s tough for anyone to change career but when you feel that your livelihood is being threatened on the basis of pure political prejudice, it’s really tough," he said.

The British Hound Sports Association, an organisation representing hunts across the UK, said: "A ban would have serious and immediate consequences for animal welfare.

"Around 12,000 hounds are currently maintained and cared for by hunts. Ministers have yet to explain what provision would be made for those hounds."

Andrew German, of the High Peak Harriers in Derbyshire, said: "I live on minimum wage and the rest of my perks are made up from my accommodation.

"Obviously if there’s a ban, life will all be very different. How employable would I be at 61 years old?"

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Earlier this year, Joy Morrissey, the Tory MP for Beaconsfield, warned that many hounds would be "destroyed" by a ban.

She said in Parliament: "I feel that the Government do not really care about animal welfare. They do not care because they want to double down on attacking the English rural way of life.

"English rural traditions going back centuries are being sacrificed on the altar of left-wing student political ideology."

In addition to hounds and huntsmen, a ban would impact the likes of farriers and rural vets, with the British Hound Sports Association saying the hunt contributes £100million a year to the economy.

The ban is one of a number of policies announced by Labour which has been seen as an attack on countryside living.

The Government is also set to licence pheasant shoots, and ban the shooting of several types of ducks.

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “This Government has made a clear commitment to ban trail hunting due to concerns about how it is being practised.

"We understand that this is a complex issue and we want to make sure all those with an interest have the opportunity to shape how we bring this forward.

"We recognise that hunting is important to those who enjoy this pursuit and alternative practices, such as drag hunting and clean boot hunting, are intended to remain unaffected under the plans."

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